Tea time has been delayed. Focus Features announced that Downton Abbey 2 would be pushed back from the planned release of Dec. 22 to March 18, 2022.
Universal Pictures International will distribute the film on the new release date in other countries.
The original cast is coming back with new cast members, including Hugh Dancy (Hannibal), Laura Haddock (Guardians of the Galaxy), Nathalie Baye (Catch Me If You Can), and Dominic West (The Wire). The creator of the series, Julian Fellowes, will be back again to write the sequel’s screenplay, but a different director from the first film will direct. Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) is directing the sequel. Filming of Downton Abbey 2 is expected to be done this August.
The first film follows the King and Queen of England’s visit to the Crawley family and Downton staff. The plot of the sequel, however, is still unknown, but it sure to be filled with lots of tea, fun, and of course, tons of drama.
When Downton Abbey was released in Sept. 2019, it had the highest domestic opening ever for Focus Features, grossing $31 million. The film grossed $96.9 million domestically and $237.9 million worldwide.
Now, with a new release date, Downton Abbey is forced to compete in the box office against the drama Unbreakable Boy, starring Zachary Levi (Shazam!), Meghann Fahy (The Bold Type), and Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond).